Mesoporous silica nanoparticles in glioblastoma: smart nano-platforms for targeted therapy and precision diagnosis

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive type of brain cancer known for its rapid progression and treatment resistance, presenting significant challenges for effective management. This article examines the promising potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as a groundbreaking platform for both the treatment and diagnosis of this formidable disease. MSNs boast several advantageous properties, including a large surface area, customizable pore sizes, and excellent biocompatibility. These characteristics enable efficient encapsulation of therapeutic agents, controlled release, and targeted delivery directly to GBM cells. One of the key advantages of MSNs is their ability to be functionalized with specific targeting ligands, which enhances their specificity toward tumor cells, facilitates navigation through the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and helps address the issues of tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. When integrated with multimodal therapies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, MSNs can create synergistic effects that improve therapeutic outcomes while reducing adverse off-target effects. Additionally, MSNs are poised to enhance diagnostic capabilities, improving imaging techniques for the accurate detection and monitoring of GBM. This review consolidates recent advancements in MSN-based approaches, emphasizing their therapeutic and diagnostic potential while also discussing toxicity concerns and outlining future pathways for clinical application to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.